Kickstart Scheme

From 3rd February 2021, employers can apply directly to the Kickstart scheme for any number of job placements. The threshold of 30 job placements has been removed.

You can also choose to apply through a Kickstart gateway, including those supporting sole traders: More Details Here

What is it? 

The Kickstart Scheme is a £2b fund to create hundreds of thousands of high quality 6-month work placements for young people.

How does it work? 

You can use the Kickstart Scheme to create new 6-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

Funding is available for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support and training.

Funding is available following a successful application process. If you are unable to offer this many job placements, you can partner with other organisations to reach the minimum number.

If you are a representative applying on behalf of a group of employers, you can get £300 of funding to support with the associated administrative costs of bringing together these employers.

Who can apply for funding?

Who can apply for funding

Any organisation, regardless of size, can apply for funding.

The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not:

• Replace existing or planned vacancies
• Cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment

The roles you are applying for must be:

• A minimum of 25 hours per week, for 6 months
• Paid at least the National Minimum Wage for their age group
• Should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement

Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including:

• Support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
• Support with CV and interview preparations
• Supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their 6-month term.

How do I apply?

The East Midlands Chamber is acting as a registered intermediary for businesses. The Chamber will collate registries of interest and help businesses to make sure they are prepared for their work placement. To apply, please click here for more information. 

Find out more about becoming a representative for a group of employers

For more information download the Kickstart guide for employers, HERE